Oslo: The recently published files on the scandal surrounding the late US multimillionaire Jeffrey Epstein have cast a spotlight on Norway's Crown Princess Mette-Marit.
According to Ghana News Agency, the 52-year-old royal is mentioned multiple times in documents released by the US Department of Justice. Mette-Marit's connection to Epstein was known for years, but the new documents bring additional details to light. Notably, email exchanges pertain to a visit to Epstein's Palm Beach estate in 2013, which Mette-Marit reportedly borrowed through a mutual friend, confirmed by Norway's royal family spokesperson, Guri Varpe, to broadcaster NRK.
During the four-day stay at the estate, the crown princess met Epstein, although she did not visit his private island, Little Saint James. The files reveal Epstein's long-running abuse ring, which victimized numerous young women and minors, until his death in a 2019 prison cell.
On Friday evening, Crown Princess Mette-Marit issued an apology through Norwegian media, acknowledging her oversight in not examining Epstein's background more closely. She admitted to showing poor judgement and expressed regret for any association with Epstein. Furthermore, she conveyed her sympathy and solidarity with the victims.
Norwegian newspaper Dagens N¦ringsliv reports that Mette-Marit met Epstein multiple times in both the United States and Oslo during 2011 and 2013. The release of these emails is particularly untimely for the crown princess, as her eldest son, Marius Borg H¸iby, faces trial on serious charges including rape and abuse. As the trial progresses, H¸iby is expected to address these allegations.